Statement from ERN CT On Committee Vote to Repeal Vaccine Exemptions

February 25, 2020 — Amy Dowell, State Director of Education Reform Now CT, a local think tank and policy advocacy group which has helped lead Connecticut’s efforts to eliminate the religious exemption to immunization requirements, released the following statement in response to today’s favorable vote on substitute language for HB 5044, An Act Concerning Immunizations, by the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Health Committee:

“Safe and healthy classrooms must always be a precondition for learning in Connecticut. The Committee should be applauded for choosing to protect the health and well-being of all Connecticut children, despite the objections of a vocal minority who are unfortunately wrong on the facts and wrong on the science.

“However, by allowing unvaccinated students to be ‘grandfathered’ for another twelve years—or exempted from vital immunizations at the cost of the safety of others—we are counterproductively opening the door to both previously eliminated dangers like measles, and continuing threats for which there may be immunizations in the future, like coronavirus. Connecticut families have a right to know that when their children attend our schools—especially our public ones—they are safe from the spread of dangerous and preventable diseases. And to those now saying that Connecticut should slow down or study this further, the simple answer is that we cannot wait: the science is in, the facts are clear, and the time is now to protect our children’s health.”

In December, a poll showed that 77% of Democratic primary voters in Connecticut believe the religious exemption to vaccination requirements should be eliminated.

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About Education Reform Now CT

The state chapter of a national organization and affiliate of DFER CT, Education Reform Now CT is a 501(c)(3) that operates as a think tank and policy advocate, promoting great educational opportunities and achievement for all by increasing equity, protecting civil rights, and strengthening the social safety net.